moxifloxacin (oral)

Avelox 400 mg

What is the most important information I should know about moxifloxacin?

Moxifloxacin may cause swelling or tearing of a tendon, especially if you are over 60, if you take steroid medication, or if you have had a kidney, heart, or lung transplant.

What is moxifloxacin?

Moxifloxacin is a fluoroquinolone (floor-o-KWIN-o-lone) antibiotic that fights bacteria in the body.

Moxifloxacin is used to treat different types of bacterial infections of the skin, sinuses, lungs, or stomach.

Fluoroquinolone antibiotics can cause serious or disabling side effects. Moxifloxacin should be used only for infections that cannot be treated with a safer antibiotic.

Moxifloxacin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking moxifloxacin?

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to moxifloxacin or other fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin, gemifloxacin, levofloxacin, ofloxacin, norfloxacin, and others).

To make sure moxifloxacin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

tendon problems, arthritis or other joint problems (especially in children);

a history of myasthenia gravis or other nerve-muscle disorder;

a heart rhythm disorder (especially if you take medication to treat it) or history of long QT syndrome;

trouble swallowing pills;

liver or kidney disease;

a history of seizures;

diabetes (especially if you take oral diabetes medication);

low levels of potassium in your blood (hypokalemia); or

if you use a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven) and have "INR" or prothrombin time tests.

Moxifloxacin may cause swelling or tearing of a tendon (the fiber that connects bones to muscles in the body), especially in the Achilles' tendon of the heel. This can happen during treatment or up to several months after you stop taking moxifloxacin. Tendon problems may be more likely to occur if you are over 60, if you take steroid medication, or if you have had a kidney, heart, or lung transplant.

Moxifloxacin is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Moxifloxacin can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

How should I take moxifloxacin?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Take moxifloxacin with water, and drink extra fluids to keep your kidneys working properly.

Moxifloxacin may be taken with or without food, but take it at the same time each day.

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Moxifloxacin will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.

Do not share this medicine with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking moxifloxacin?

Do not take moxifloxacin with dairy products such as milk or yogurt, or with calcium-fortified juice. You may eat or drink these products as part of a regular meal, but do not use them alone when taking moxifloxacin. They could make the medication less effective.

You may be taking certain other medicines that should not be taken at the same time as moxifloxacin. Avoid taking the following medicines within 8 hours before or 4 hours after you take moxifloxacin. These other medicines can make moxifloxacin much less effective when taken at the same time:

antacids that contain magnesium or aluminum (such as Maalox, Mylanta, or Rolaids), or the ulcer medicine sucralfate (Carafate);

Moxifloxacin may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Moxifloxacin can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors. Call your doctor if you have severe burning, redness, itching, rash, or swelling after being in the sun.

What are the possible side effects of moxifloxacin?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, or the first sign of a skin rash; fast heartbeat, difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Moxifloxacin may cause swelling or tearing of (rupture) a tendon. Moxifloxacin can also have serious effects on your nerves, and may cause permanent nerve damage.

signs of tendon rupture --sudden pain, swelling, bruising, tenderness, stiffness, movement problems, or a snapping or popping sound in any of your joints (rest the joint until you receive medical care or instructions);

nerve symptoms --numbness, weakness, tingling, burning, pain, or being more sensitive to temperature, light touch, or the sense of your body position;

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with moxifloxacin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about moxifloxacin.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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